Hands-on learning is at the core of all our majors.

In any major, minor, and endorsement in the music and performing arts department you’ll have numerous opportunities to perform, apply what you’re learning, conduct research, and gain experience. It’s all part of how we equip you with skills that transfer to any career.

Wonder how this looks at Bethel? Check out our upcoming performing and visual arts events—and attend a performance! You’ll be able to get involved right away. Bethel’s size and vibrant community present opportunities for you to get involved from your first day on campus. 

Performance opportunities

Bethel provides extensive opportunities for students of all majors to participate in both large and small music ensembles as well as theatre productions. You’ll be able to get involved with unique and prestigious performance opportunities, scholarships, competitions, and immersive experiences. And you’ll regularly perform in competitions and several Bethel events like Festival of Christmas, Classics in the Great Hall, and Jazz in the Great Hall in Bethel’s Benson Great Hall, a premier venue in the Twin Cities. Explore your opportunities:

• Bands
• Choirs
• Private Lessons
• Orchestras/Chamber Music Ensembles
• Theatre

Renowned facilities—right here on campus

Ensembles perform each spring and fall, along with special events, in Bethel's 1,700-seat Benson Great Hall, one of the finest concert halls in the Upper Midwest. It attracts local and national performers to aid in your growth as a musician or actor

Music competitions

We sponsor two student competitions each year—the fall semester Performance Prize competition and the spring Concerto-Aria competition—offering you top-level performance preparation and scholarship opportunities. 

Lessons and collaboration

Receive personalized, one-on-one guidance as you hone your technical skills and collaborate on performances and research with supportive professors.

Study around the world

Ensembles tour in the U.S. every year and internationally once every four years, and our mainstage productions draw thousands of audience members to campus. You can participate in music ensembles that travel across the United States and abroad. Previous locations have included Singapore, Malaysia, Poland, Sweden, France, and more. And you can study music and education during trips abroad over a full semester, January, and summer.

Student teaching and classroom experience

If you’re interested in a career teaching K-12 instrumental or vocal music, you’ll have numerous opportunities to gain experience connected to our renowned education department. From your first day on campus, you’ll have numerous classroom experiences in a range of diverse settings in our partner schools. And you’ll spend a semester student teaching full time in a local classroom. And we have many partnerships with area schools that will help you find the best fit that suits your goals.